Michael Chiesa ‘would be a fool to overlook’ Ferguson

ABU DHABI – Michael Chiesa isn’t underestimating Tony Ferguson heading into UFC on ABC 7.

Chiesa (16-7 MMA, 11-7 UFC) will look handy Ferguson (25-10 MMA, 15-8 UFC) a UFC document eighth consecutive loss when the pair sq. off on Saturday’s essential card (ABC, ESPN2, ESPN+) at Etihad Enviornment.

Previous to his seven-fight dropping skid, Ferguson was proprietor of probably the most spectacular profitable streaks at light-weight, profitable 12 in a row. That’s the model Chiesa is getting ready for.

“I might be a idiot to coach for the Tony Ferguson that’s on a skid,” Chiesa informed reporters, together with MMA Junkie, at UFC on ABC 7 media day. “I might be a idiot to miss him given the present scenario along with his profession. I’m coaching for the man that I used to be imagined to struggle eight years in the past. I’m coaching for the man I used to be imagined to struggle within the midst of this loopy win streak that he was on.

“Simply because he’s 0-7 in his final seven fights doesn’t take away his offense. It doesn’t take away his abilities. It doesn’t take away his D’Arce choke. It doesn’t take away all of the issues that he does very properly. I have a look at a few of these fights and form of put an asterisk subsequent to them.”

Chiesa was scheduled to face Ferguson at UFC Battle Night time 91 in July 2016 however withdrew attributable to a again harm. Eight years later, he will get the chance to doubtlessly be Ferguson’s closing struggle within the octagon.

“Completely, particularly as a result of it’s unfinished enterprise, however there’s no unhealthy blood between us,” Chiesa mentioned. “That doesn’t imply Tony is essentially the kind of fighter to stroll up and dap you up throughout struggle week, however him and I positively have a mutual respect for one another, so I feel I’m his greatest and final dance accomplice, and let’s simply have a look at the numbers. I’m 36, I’m 0-3 in my final three fights. It’s a struggle that is sensible. It’s not Paddy Pimblett, who’s rolling scorching proper now,

“It’s not Beneil Dariush, it’s not Charles Oliveira. It’s a struggle that is sensible, so I really feel like I’m the proper dance accomplice for him. Him again at his authentic weight class that he received ‘The Final Fighter’ at, TUF champ vs. TUF champ, a struggle that by no means occurred. I’m the man. However that doesn’t imply I’m going to ship him driving off into the sundown on a win. I’ve obtained to go on the market and beat the man, and I plan on ending him.”

For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC on ABC 7.